1. Life in Japan by Photo Memories of Japan (Photo from readers)

Learn the life in Japan with photos posted by our readers! We look forward to your submissions of memorable photos of your experiences in Japan, including your student life, exposure to Japanese culture and history, travel, and more.

How to submit

Please send your photos with the information listed below to the following address.

1) News on International Students

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began to consider revision of the domestic standard of pictograms on July 7. A pictogram is a standard showing places, such as public facilities. They will add a new sign for foreign tourists by the end of next summer. The addition of new signs, such as “ATM that accepts overseas issue cards,” “wireless LAN,” and a “prayer room,” is being considered. On the existing signs, there will be a large difference between the domestic and the international standards. These signs, which are not easy to understand for foreign tourists, are being reviewed for changes.

NEWS 2 : New Japanese TV program “Catch Your Dream – Study in Japan” through the eyes of international students starts

As part of the comprehensive support project for overseas expansion of broadcast content by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications this year, WAKUWAKU JAPAN, Inc., in cooperation with the Japanese local broadcasting stations, creates a new program entitled “Catch Your Dream – Study in Japan.” This program introduces places around universities in various regions of Japan through the eyes of international students. The program will be on TV every Saturday from November 5, 2016 to January 21, 2017 in four countries namely Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. The unique charm of Japan will be spread overseas through the eyes of international students who are currently studying in Japan.

2) Introduction of Current International Students

Name: JIN BOYUNationality: ChineseUniversity in Japan: Graduate School of Language and Culture, Musashino UniversityMajor: Language and CultureAcademic year: First yearPeriod of Stay in Japan: October 2014 to presentJapanese proficiency level: Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1

My father is a huge influence on why I had chosen Japan as a place to study abroad. My father studied International Trade in the Graduate School of Economics at the University of Tokyo. After graduation, my father had a job which has no relation to Japanese but he kept studying Japanese, always reminded of his initial earnest intention.

I majored in Japanese when I was in university as my father recommended me so. However, I thought studying Japanese in my own country was not enough, so I decided to go to Japan to study Japanese spoken by native speakers.

Since I was in the Japanese Language Department of a university in China, I focused on studying Japanese. I studied Japanese mostly by myself. It was because I felt that the lessons in school weren’t interesting and lacking. When I went into a graduate school in Japan, I majored in Japanese Language Education. I am currently researching the Japanese and Chinese terms or expressions of asking permission; it aims to unravel the differences between these two languages.

The impressive thing I experienced when I was studying in Japan happened when I was to meet my friend from China at the airport. My friend was not sure which terminal building she was at since she couldn’t speak Japanese. Then, I contacted a staff of the terminal where my friend was waiting. The staff took care of my friend until I arrived. It was the first time I felt the warmth of the Japanese people, and I had not forgotten this until now.

I want to become a Japanese language teacher in the future. It is more of a purpose rather than a dream. I would like to teach not only Chinese people but also those who want to study Japanese and tell them how interesting Japanese language is. And I think I would like to contribute to further progress of both countries cultural exchange.

What I would like to tell those students who are interested in studying in Japan, you have to be careful of the culture differences. For example, when speaking loud while on a train, people around you would feel annoyed. Even if you don’t go study abroad, you can still learn the language and culture but once I came to Japan, I realized I could actually see the real sense of the values of society and expand the range of my personal ability. I think that the passion to grow as a person and the ability to change through experiences are important things you have to learn, not only the things you learn from school.

Introduction of “Support for International Students Returning Home”

Fukuoka International Student Support Center (FiSSC)

FiSSC was established in April 2008 to produce talented people who have a strong bond with Fukuoka prefecture. It is supported by universities, the government, and the economic sector. The center provides support international students comprehensively, from the invitation of future students to university life, job hunting, and alumni network.

1. PR and activities to attract international students
We visit educational institutes and hold information sessions for studying in Japan mainly in Asia. Also, we do consultation in career sessions for students in Japanese language institutes and visit universities in Fukuoka.

2. Support for international university students
We have a consultation desk for international students. It is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00 except during the New Year holiday period. International students can ask us for help about life, part-time job, job-hunting, and so on.

3. Promote interchanges
We support interchanges between international students and people from the local communities in Fukuoka.

4. Follow up after graduation
We support students who return to their own country. In order to make networks, we opened alumni associations, and as of 2015, there are nine alumni associations in nine countries and regions.

1. About Kansai University (History and Philosophy)

Kansai University was founded as the first law school in western Japan in 1886. This year is the 130th anniversary of its founding. We still follow the university motto “Gaku no jitsuge,” which roughly translates as “harmony between academia and society,” promoted by the 11th president Juntaro Yamaoka.
Kansai University is developing as an education hub that raises people with skills to learn, think, and act independently. Also, our university expresses “Gakuen” to the world which means “to connect people through study.” We hope people who would like to join our university will find a challenge and solve it, hence become a “kodojin” who thinks and acts actively.

2. Distinctive departments and graduate courses

Kansai University has 13 departments, 13 graduate schools, and 3 professional graduate schools covering a variety of courses and the School of Japanese Studies for international students.

3. Support for international students (Scholarship for housing/Deduction of tuition)

Kansai University offers deduction of tuition for international students who are enrolled in regular programs so they can concentrate on studying more without thinking about financial problems. As of last year, we cut 30% of tuition for international students who have met certain criteria (acceptance rate is 95.4%). The number of international students who are recipients of both internal and external scholarships is 219 out of 586 international students.
Also, we have two international student dormitories that house 305 students. For students who cannot live in the dormitory, we sign outsourcing agreements with Co-op to offer cheap apartments near the university.

4. Support for international students (Job-hunting/International exchange)

Kansai University has been implementing the five-year Project for International Students’ Living Environment and Job Search Support by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) since 2015. In 2014, MEXT started the “Exchange-core project.” With this new undertaking, we strengthen the network with the industry, government, academia, financial sector and locality based on the consortium already created through past program. For international students who are planning to get a job near Osaka after graduation, we support coexistence with locals through the “Osaka=Second Home.”
We use the strengths of each organization and complement each other to support international students’ job and living environment by [1] attracting talented international students, [2] producing talented global human resources in Japan and Japanese company, and [3] supporting international students who are staying as “Osaka Residents.”

The Uehara Memorial Foundation

Project Title: Grant for researchers from overseas in 2016Overview:
This foundation was established in 1985 to pay tribute to Shokichi Uehara (former president and chairman of Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and as a commemorative project to celebrate Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.’s 70th year in business. The aim of this aid is to contribute to the progress in the research on life science in Japan and other countries as well as international exchanges concerning the said field.Applicant Eligibility:
Students who are coming to Japan to enter a doctoral program (first semester/second semester) from October 2016 to April 2017 or students who are already enrolled in graduate school and conducting research about life science, especially on health promotion or disease prevention. Also, students who meet all the four preconditions below. Students who had been previously granted aid from our foundation won’t be accepted.
1.Students whose nationality is not Japanese
2.Students who have not been granted from another foundation
3.Students who keep research over one year
4.Students who took TOEIC, TOEFL, or JLPT. Students from English-speaking countries may be entitled to exemption from the first two examinations.Application period: By electronic transmission: 10am, Friday, September 2, 2016
By snail mail: Friday, September 2, 2016 (postmarked)Amount of grant: 150,000 JPY per month (Terms of scholarship is within 2 years.)Number of grantees: 10 applicants (as planned)Contact:
Essay Competition Section, The Foundation for the Advancement of Life & Insurance Around the World
Zip: 244-0805
401 BELISTA Tower Higashi-Totsuka
91-1 Kawakami-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
TEL: 045-827-2671

Project title: Aid for research development 2016 (Open to the public)Outline: This foundation was established on June 10, 1980 through the funding by Shimadzu Corporation. The aim is to contribute to the development of industry and enhance public welfare by offering aid and operating project for science and technology. Among these projects is this aid being offered every year.Candidate: Individual researching in science and technology, particularly about scientific instrumentationApplicant Eligibility: Candidate must be under 45 years old who belongs to a research institute in JapanAmount of grant: Total amount is 12,000,000 JPY (under 1 million yen per grant)Application period: Friday, September 30, 2016How to apply: Download application form from our website, fill it and send it by mail.Judging process: Application form will be selected by our selection committee and judged by the board. Results will be posted on our website in early December, and those who are accepted will receive notification by mail.Issuance of grant: On the presentation ceremony scheduled on mid-February 2017Address: Shimadzu Science Technology Foundation for Construction Materials Industry Promotion Department
1 Nishinokyo-tokudaiji-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8445, Japan
TEL: (075)823-3240
FAX: (075)823-3241
E-mail: ssf@zaidan.shimadzu.co.jp

3) Information about international symposium

International Symposium on Architectural Interchanges in Asia (ISAIA2016)

The International Symposium on Architectural Interchanges in Asia (ISAIA) is a biennial international symposium co-sponsored by the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ), together with the Architectural Society of China (ASC) and the Architectural Institute of Korea (AIK).

Through the co-sponsorship of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean architectural societies, ISAIA strives to encourage international exchanges among researchers, architects, and engineers in architectural industry across Asia.

Registration of thesis is now closed, but you can still join the symposium. Please come visit.

5) Japanese Language Test

33rd Test Date: Sunday, November 20th, 2016 Application period: Friday, July 1st, 2016 – Friday, October 14th, 2016 *Notice From 2016, application at bookstores is not available. You have to apply through internet or convenience store.

1) Job Hunting Event Information

The Program for Advancement of Foreign Human Resources is being launched from 2015, as a collaborative effort of related government ministries and agencies, and other relevant organizations. The Program seeks to increase employment of international students in Japan, and hence increase the number of highly skilled international professionals in the future, following the recent trend in policy that includes the 2014 revision of “Japan Revitalization Strategy – Japan is Back” (approved by the Cabinet on June 24th, 2014). The ultimate aim is to vitalize the Japanese economy further and enhance Japan’s presence in the global economy.
Through seminars, events and other activities, the Program will strengthen the system of connecting international students and other foreign nationals looking for employment in Japan, with companies in Japan looking to recruit international employees.

（The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry/ Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry/ Japan Network for International Education/ PRO*SEEDS(Japanese version only)

2) Job-hunting report

Name : YUN JONG IMNationality : KoreanUniversity in Japan : Yokohama College of CommerceMajor : Trade and Tourism, Department of CommercePeriod of company : From April 2003 to March 2009Name of company : Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.Japanese proficiency level : Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1

Being interested in the study of hotel industry and tourism, I was looking for places to study abroad such as Switzerland, the United States, and the Philippines but I chose Japan for its proximity to Korea and for being an advanced country in Asia.

While I was a university student, I participated in Japan-South Korea field trips a lot. This is operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a student exchange program for those who are studying Tourism. From that, I learned that relationship between people is very important and so I wanted to become a person who connects Japan and South Korea. Also, I chose Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. because I wanted to show foreign visitors the greatness of Japan’s service and the heart of Omotenashi through the services and products of the airport.

Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. operates and handles Haneda Airport terminal and development facility management, and merchandising and restaurant businesses. As soon as I entered the company, I was sent to a group company that focuses on the development of store operation business. After that, I was assigned to the sales department at the head office and worked for duty-free and real-estate leasing businesses. Now, I am on a temporary assignment to Keikyu Corporation as part of personnel exchanges. I’m in the PR department, working for the PR and operation of sales promotion of the company.

We are currently facing the most challenging undertaking of making an attractive airport for the “2020 Tokyo Olympics” that will be held four years from now. With my original purpose in mind, I would like to offer Japanese-style services to foreign visitors as much as possible through the airport services and products.

About job-hunting, among the effective things I did was join mock interviews and attend training courses to listen to the experiences of those who had been through job seeking. I learned and knew where I had to focus and what I could do better which I don’t think I would have realized by myself. Also, on the entry sheet, this might be a simple thing but I made a title for each section and made the words bold. I tried to write sentences that were easy to read for readers by highlighting important points of the sentences. I thought the impression of the entry sheet should be different for each company because I wanted to be different from other students. And the result was good.

It’s possible that you won’t get any unofficial job offers even though you have applied for 50 companies. While doing job-hunting, there is pressure and it stresses and makes you sleep less, but the experience of job-hunting is the only time to see many companies and learn. Doing it seriously will lead to a good result. When your job-hunting is not going well, don’t be negative. Stay positive and try without giving up as it is the next important step to get a job.

3) Job Hunting Information Corner

Many Japanese companies will carry out internships from August to September which is the students’ summer vacation period. In Japan, many companies operate internship programs for students who will graduate in two years (junior students in universities), and it is a chance for students to experience what is like to work in a company.

There are the three merits in participating in an internship.

1.Students can learn the customs and business culture of Japanese companies.
2.Students can learn business etiquette and understand own strengths which are useful for job-hunting.
3.Students can be familiarized with the industry, business, and sorts of jobs.

The period of internship is mostly about a week but there are internships that can be as short as only for a day or as long as several months. There are some kinds of internships where interns go to the actual office and work simple tasks there, attend classes to understand the industry and job and workshops to learn problem-solving skills with other students, and handle tasks with employees.

There are two ways to apply to the internship. One is through university, second is through job-hunting sites like Navi where you can check details about various internships. There are companies that perform screening of applicants, so do your research on the industry and companies you’re interested in and their recruitment process.

In order to let the students know the industry and companies before plunging to the actual job-hunting, the number of companies who are investing in internships is increasing. So are the number of companies that are open for internships not only during summer vacations, but also on Saturdays and Sundays of October as well as February during winter vacation.

Students who experienced internship will do well with job-hunting compared to those who had not. So, if there is a business or company you’re interested in, do try to join its internship.

5. Visit Japan

Mie Prefecture

Have you been traveling around Japan? In this section, we bring you information about sights, events, and foods from all over the country! The July edition looks at Mie Prefecture.

Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu)

People usually call Ise Jingu as “Oise-san” or “Dai-jingu-san.” But it is officially “Jingu.” Naiku is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami who is an ancestor of the imperial family. It has been adored by people from all over the country. Geku handled the dishes of Amaterasu-Omikami and was dedicated to Toyouke-no-Omikami which is the protective god of industries. Naiku has about 2,000 years of history while Geku has 1,500 years.

(c) ISESHIMA TOURISM&CONVENTION ORGANIZATION

Ago Bay (Ago wan)

Ago wan is the bay on the southern Shima Peninsula in Shima City of Mie Prefecture. It is a ria coast. Pearl culture is thriving here; pearls have been mined from a pearl oyster called “Akoya-gai” since the Nara period. The Yokoyama Observatory with an altitude of 203 meters commands the whole view of the peninsula. The 60 islets appearing on Ago Bay and a peninsula with its ragged edges make for a stunning vista. Located inside the bay is the Kashikojima Island, renowned for becoming the venue for the G7 Summit that took place in May.

Ise-katagami

Ise-katagami is a traditional technical tool for dyeing patterns such as Yuzen, Yukata, and Komon on the clothing fabrics for kimono. It is said that it has about more than 1,000 years of history. It deals with the careful carving of kimono shapes and patterns on a processed Japanese paper with a carving knife. Making patterns needs high-level techniques and patience. It was designated as a traditional handicraft by the Minister of International Trade and Industry on April 1983. At present, with the low demand for kimonos, this is being utilized for lights, construction fittings, etc.

Matsusaka beef

Matsusaka beef is famous for its fine marbling, soft texture, and sweet taste of fat. In the Tajima District (Hyogo Prefecture), selected seven-month to eight-month-old calves are taken great care for about three years, hand-feeding them straw, barley, bran, and soybean cake in a farmhouse. In particular, they enjoy a massage with beer or white distilled liquor to boost their appetite. Matsusaka beef is considered as the No. 1 beef cattle of Japan for its outstanding feature and the attentive management. The wonderful taste of Matsusaka beef is admired by the whole country and the world as “an art piece of meat.”

Shirongo Matsuri Festival

This is the Ama (woman who dives to the sea and catches seashells and seaweeds) diver’s festival called “shirongo-san” since the old times in a local area in honor of the island’s guardian deity Shirahige-Daimyojin. This is a major festival of Ise-Shima passed down for hundreds of years by the islanders to pray for good catch and marine safety. At the festival, with the blowing of a conch shell as a signal, the Ama divers compete against each other to catch a pair of male and female abalones. The first diver who catches them is regarded as the chief Ama for the year, and is said to be blessed with a bountiful year.

6. NIPPON Information

1) NIPPON Time Machine

Fireworks
While Japanese firework ball is globular in form, those from other countries carry a cylindrical shape. More can be stuffed to a cylindrical firework ball, and since it is also possible to connect to another unit, stronger fireworks can be built. However, only the Japanese has a technique of creating several colors for one firework ball. Its counterparts overseas produce only one color.

Fireworks were invented by ancient Chinese and used as a “signal fire” at the time of war. The history of Japanese fireworks dates back to 1613 when the British first did a firework display for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Soon, use of fireworks spread among noble people, such as the shogun families and daimyos. A launch of fireworks in Sumida River became the beginning of the fireworks event in Sumida River which continues until now.

With the coming of Meiji period, new chemicals were gradually introduced into the technology of fireworks, developing bright and colorful fireworks which are popular now. Japanese fireworks is among the most beautiful for its unique style of color, light placement and change. Japan is now exporting fireworks to about 20 countries in the world.

During fireworks display, many shout the words “Tamaya” and “Kagiya.” These originated from the two major pyrotechnic makers called “Tamaya” and “Kagiya” of the Edo period. The origin of the Sumida River fireworks display, which still takes place every summer, can be traced back to the “Ryogoku River Opening” in 1733. The pyrotechnician who served for the event was the sixth-generation “Kagiya Yohei.” After that, the seventh generation Kagiya “Kiyoshichi” called himself “Tamaya” and started his own fireworks business.

Since then, the river opening of Ryogoku was held by two pyrotechnicians. Tamaya set off his fireworks in the upper stream while Kagiya in lower stream, competing against each other with their techniques. People called out “Tamaya” and “Kagiya” as they watched the fireworks. Up to now, people still use these phrases. Fireworks display will be held in various areas in August. How about enjoying these Japanese fireworks this summer?

2) Lifestyle Information

Summer weariness
This condition happens because of the summer heat and high humidity causing you to feel dull and eat less. It is called summer weariness. The main causes of suffering from the summer heat is loss of appetite, lack of water and minerals in our body, and disturbances in the autonomic nervous system caused by the temperature changes in the environment (outdoor heat and coldness from air conditioner).
In order to prevent such body-weakening condition due to summer heat, it is important to have a regular habit of eating nutritionally balanced meals in accordance to life’s natural rhythm.

(1) Drink water regularly.
In order to release heat out of the body, you have to sweat. To sweat, you need water. If you don’t sweat well and heat is not emitted out of the body, the body temperature will be constantly high resulting to bad condition. Two to three liters is lost from the body every day. At this season, you have to drink lots of water or tea to prevent heat stroke as well.

(2) Eat nourishing foods.
In summer, appetite tends to decline, so let’s take a meal giving more importance on quality rather than quantity. Foods effective in recovering from exhaustion include brown rice, pork, eel, legumes, leek, and yam which have good protein. Eat high-energy and vitamin-rich foods.

(3) Have a creative way of spending time inside the room.
Temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is 5°C or more will easily result to disturbances in the autonomic nervous system. Adjust the temperature of the air conditioner regularly. In cases where you can’t control the temperature of the air conditioner, adjust the wind direction to prevent air directly to your body and wear long-sleeved clothes to adjust body temperature.

(4) Sleep enough and relieve daytime fatigue.
The best prevention from summer weariness is not to accumulate tiredness. Let’s go to bed as early as possible and recover from exhaustion during the day.

7. JASSO News

Information about JASSO Scholarship programs, invitation program, Japan Education Fairs, and the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).

1) Schedule, etc. for 2016 Japan Education Fairs

JASSO holds Japan Education Fairs overseas to provide information to high school students, university students and other individuals who are interested in studying in Japan. We also attend and cooperate to the events and seminars sponsored by other organizations.

2) Information about the “Student Guide to Japan”

For all those considering studying in Japan, we recommend you to read the “Student Guide to Japan” first.
In addition to information on the Japanese education system, scholarships, and daily life in Japan, the guidebook also includes stories on experience of international students in Japan.
You can read the guidebook on the JASSO website, so we encourage not only those who are considering studying in Japan, but also students already studying in Japan to take a look.

Ehime UniversityKanazawa UniversityKyoto UniversityKyushu UniversityTokyo University of Agriculture and TechnologyHokkaido UniversityUniversity of MiyazakiYamaguchi University

8. From the Reader

Hot day starts in Republic of Tajikistan and it is 43 degrees. Summer holiday has already begun. I thank for Japanese government and JASSO. I studied in Niigata University through MEXT program for a year in 2014. I met many people from another country and made many Japanese friends. Last year, some of Japanese friends and foreign friends who I met in Japan came to visit Republic of Tajikistan. Every time I meet with foreign people, I get to know another country’s culture and the way of thinking and compare to my own country. The difference is the most interesting thing when you communicate with people from another country. I would like to come to Japan again. So, I’m thinking to take an exam that JASSO operated to study in Japan.
(Hamroev Aslam)

(Honorific title is omitted.)

From the Editor
How did you find the August edition of Japan Alumni eNews? August is the season to take summer vacation. Here in Japan, we have many fireworks festivals and summer festivals across the country. We have a traditional summer wear called “yukata.” Its origin dates back to wearing kimono that were made of hemp when taking a bath, but nowadays many young people wear yukata for occasions such as the Tanabata Festival, Bon Festival, Morning glory market, and fireworks festival to enjoy summer events. Recently, kimono rental service is being catered to foreign visitors when there is a festival or where many tourists visit. Why don’t you try wearing yukata this summer?

Japan Alumni eNews Editorial Desk is looking for someone who can share their job searching experiences. We also welcome pictures from your life abroad as an exchange student and your comments for our email magazine. Our next issue of “Japan Alumni eNews” will be distributed on September 9th. Don’t miss it!

Information in this issue may change without notice. Please visit their web sites for latest information.